What do children fear most often?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
P Muris1, H Merckelbach, C Meesters
1Limburg University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Following the critical comments of McCathie and Spence (Behaviour Research and Therapy, 29, 495-502, 1991), the present study obtained fear rank orders in children (N = 394) in two different ways. The first fear rank order was based on children's FSSC-R scores. The second fear rank order was based on what children indicated as their most feared object. Each method resulted in a different fear rank order. These results demonstrate that fear rank orders critically depend on the survey method that researchers employ. The theoretical and methodological implications of this finding are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Preparedness and Phobias
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...
Bullying
The Availability Heuristic
Social Referencing During Infancy and Toddlerhood
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies

